Prepress Checklist—How to Send Print-Ready Files
If you’re sending a file to print, make sure it’s set up correctly — or risk delays, low-quality results, or worse, a totally scrapped job. We created this simple but essential checklist to help you understand how to send print-ready files the right way. Whether you’re printing banners, flyers, brochures, or signage, these steps will keep your project smooth from start to finish.
Below is a quick video walkthrough (with a bit of humor) that covers everything from DPI and bleeds to fonts and file naming. Scroll down for the full checklist — or just use this page as your go-to reference before hitting upload.
Prepress Checklist
- ✅ Use PDF/X-1a export settings
- ✅ Include crop marks — but do NOT outline them
- ✅ Add 1/8\” bleeds beyond trim size
- ✅ Keep important text/logos 1/8\” inside trim (safe zone)
- ✅ Embed or outline all fonts
- ✅ Convert all colors to CMYK (no RGB or PMS)
- ✅ Flatten all transparencies
- ✅ No overprint black or knockout issues
- ✅ 300dpi resolution minimum (PDF, TIFF, or JPEG)
- ✅ Fold/score/perf lines clearly marked
- ✅ Name files clearly — mark front and back separately
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Avoid common print errors with our step-by-step Prepress Checklist. Bleeds, fonts, file naming, and more — explained in a quick, helpful video.